Thursday, 28 August 2014

De Porceleyne Fles - View Of Delft

Over many year I have bought and sold many decorative tiles marked on the back with a stylised pot and the word "Delft" -- but they weren't the tin glazed delft blue & white pottery that many old time antiques dealers used to sell; but brightly coloured 20th century patterns with a tubelined effect, a bit like Moorcroft.

... and here is an example that I have just bought.

....and here is the mark.

These tiles are not uncommon and are regularly seen on stalls at antiques markets in the UK. However, unless on a specialist applied art stand , they are always left unattributed or anounced as "they're delft, mate!!".

Even after the smallest of research you would established that they were made by the Dutch firm De Porceleyne Fles in the town of Delft in the Netherlands. This whole group of wares are refered to as "Cloisonné tiles" and were made from 1907 until as recently as 1977.The view depicted on my tile is of Delft itself and the towers from the left are; The Oostpoort (Eastern gate), Nieuwe Kerk (New Church) and the Oude Kerk (Old church).... so I guess this is a view from the north?

Another famous Delft art connections is Johannes Vermmer (1632-1675) of the "Girl with pearl earing" fame. He lived, painted and died in Delft and remains there to this day as he is buried in the Oude Kerk. Here is his study of the Oostpoort and painting of the town.